Changing "Cellar" to Basement

And there’s one more wrinkle: even if you meet the code requirements, what is the floor area ratio permitted by the zoning?

pythagoras

in General Discussion 9 years and 8 months ago

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rhjmem | 9 years and 8 months ago

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I have a two Family House. CO states Two Family. There are three total floors, two Dwelling Floors and one “Cellar” floor which is connected via open stairs to the dwelling floor above. I would like to change “Cellar” floor to “Basement” on CO. The CO States Cellar and use as “Storage and Garage”. If all the requirements are satisfied (7 Foot Ceilings, 1/2 ceiling height above grade, Window, light, egress, etc.) is it possible to change CO to “Basement”? I want to change it to utilize the lower level legally combined with the above floor as a rental unit, keeping the house a two family. Any Insight would appreciated.

bk123 | 9 years and 8 months ago

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should be ok, you will need to file plans to show what changed since it was storage.
may need a land surveyor to prove the elevation of the basement, have to see what happens in the plan exam.

bubblesbott | 9 years and 8 months ago

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as long as you meet the requirements, you should be ok. As mentioned before, you will need a surveyor to show the elevations and an architect to file an Alt-1 with the Department of Buildings and make the changes.

joearchitect | 9 years and 8 months ago

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It is usually difficult to change if it doesn’t already meet the height above grade requirement. The grade is based on the curb elevation which you cannot change. The only way to make 1/2 ceiling height above grade is to raise the ceiling which is usually impractical. A cellar can be used as recreation space associated with the first floor.

pythagoras | 9 years and 8 months ago

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As per the building code, any “habitable space” (bedroom, living room, dining room) has to have minimum 8′ ceilings. A cellar is more than 50% below grade; a basement is more than 50% above grade. Grade is established at the property line, what is called the base plane elevation, the average height at the front property line. You have light and air requirements as well, and egress requirements. Good luck.